This production opened to a practically sold out performance in March of 2005 in New York at the Shubert Theater. It is based on the classic 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. Eric Idle, an original member of the Monty Python team, wrote the musical’s book and lyrics. Idle always felt the film was perfect material for a musical. This production was also directed by Mike Nichols of The Graduate fame.

Spamalot tells the familiar story of King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail. Arthur travels with his servant Patsy and on their journey they recruit several knights to join them including Sir Lancelot, Sir Robin and Sir Bedevere. Along the way they meet other strange and colorful characters including Prince Herbert, Tim the Enchanter and Not Dead Fred. These encounters make for some very hysterical moments in the play. In unique Monty Python style the show takes a classic tale and adds a chorus line, a legless knight, a killer rabbit and plenty of showgirls. In a tribute to the film, the musical also features cast doubling. The characters of Lancelot, Robin, Galahad, Patsy and Bedevere all double as other characters.

The musical production offers a brand new Tony nominated score with the exception of three songs; “Brave Sir Robin,” “He’s Going To Tell,” and “Knights of the Round Table” from the original film. The show differs from the movie in its use of parodies of Broadway Theater. The play spoofs other musicals using familiar songs and dance sequences. Among the musicals being made fun of are Fiddler on the Roof, West Side Story, The Producers and several Andrew Lloyd Webber productions. Broadway fans can appreciate this humor, and these spoofs add to the comical themes of the show.

This hilarious show was nominated for fourteen Tony Awards. It ended up winning for Best Musical, Best Featured Actress (Sara Ramirez) and Best Director for the 2005 season. The original production was a huge financial success and the Broadway previews were almost sold out. The only seats available were those with obstructed views. Variety magazine reported advance ticket sales of $18 million. This number broke the Broadway box office record for advance sales. The show has also been officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for having the “World’s Largest Coconut Orchestra”. To commemorate the shows first anniversary on Broadway, 1,789 people gathered outside the theater to clap two halves of a coconut shell together.

Spamalot is definitely a unique theater experience. While the show was written by a Monty Python member and is based on one of its popular movies, one needn’t necessarily be a Monty Python fan to enjoy this production. It is a fun, entertaining experience with lots of laughs. This musical extravaganza, that includes twenty five songs, is witty, funny and smart.